About Us
We founded EMPLÉATE in 2023 as a way to contribute our unique backgrounds and skillsets to our two home communities, Central Washington and Western Guatemala.
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Co-Founder/Co-Director
Adriana has worked in the nonprofit sector where she gained experience in program management, fundraising, international event planning, and visa applications. She went through the nonimmigrant visa process herself in 2020-2022 and is now a U.S. permanent resident. She has a Bachelors Degree in International Relations from the Universidad Rafael Landivar in Guatemala. She is from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and lives currently in Okanogan county. Adriana can be reached at adriana@empleateusa.com
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Visa Specialist
Born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, María graduated with a degree in intercultural education. She has closed courses for her degree in law at the Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala.
She interned with the Justice of the Peace for the Municipality of Zunil, Quetzaltenango and currently works as a teacher. She assists part time at Empléate as a visa specialist.
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Case Coordinator
Lisbeth Castillo, worked for a national human rights institution where gained experience working with vulnerable communities and preparing technical reports for national and international organizations, also has experience for more than 5 years in international labor mobility, migration processes, recruitment coordination and worker support. Throughout her career, she was worked closely with employers, candidates, government institutions and international organizations, supporting temporary employment programs, immigration documentation, visa processes, travel arrangements and ongoing worker assistance.
She had a strong commitment to ethics, organization, and professional service, building effective communication between employers and workers across different countries and institutions. Her professional background combines legal knowledge, international labor mobility and a strong sense of responsibility, allowing her to contribute effectively to the company´s mission and its international operations.
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Co-Founder/Co-Director
Galen worked in H-2A compliance for the WA Employment Security Department. He was a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala working on youth skilling projects from 2016-2019. Prior to joining the Peace Corps, he managed operations for a shelter for immigrant families owned by the Catholic Diocese in Tucson, Arizona. He holds an M.A. in Public Affairs from Princeton University and a B.A. with honors in International Relations from Brown University. He is a native of Okanogan county, WA. Galen can be reached at galen@empleateusa.com
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Case Coordinator
Emilsa worked for a non-profit organization in Chimaltenango for five years, where she gained experience working with vulnerable communities. In 2021, she was awarded a scholarship to study English, American culture, and international studies during the fall semester at the University of Central Missouri.
In 2023, she began working with the H-2 visa program in the public sector. She currently works full-time as a case coordinator at Empléate USA. Emilsa can be reached at Emilsa@empleateusa.com
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Consular Assistant
Gustavo completed his coursework in International Relations and Political Science in Guatemala. His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in international affairs, public policy, and diplomatic and consular processes.
He has experience supporting labor mobility and consular processes in the public sector, particularly within H-2 visa programs. His experience includes working with consular documentation, visa applications, and coordination of processes involving workers and employers participating in U.S. employment programs.